How seniors can improve their physical and mental well-being

Posted July 20, 2018 by Jody Phelvin

Written by Lydia Chan.

As we age, we can become stuck in our habits or find ourselves feeling like we’re in a rut. If you’re looking to improve your quality of life, there are many ways to do so. Focus on your mental and physical health so you can start feeling better today.

Eating Better

There is no single way of eating that fits every lifestyle. For many of us, we have special needs we need to attend to, and it’s important to consult our doctors before making changes. However, everyone can benefit from a few tweaks here and there. Cutting back on high-fat foods, especially animal fats, can benefit everyone. It’s important we take care of our digestive system, too, so eat plenty of fiber-dense foods. Overall, healthy eating is about balance. You want an abundance of healthy proteins and lots of nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits. You might be surprised by how much your diet can affect your energy levels and how you feel emotionally. Cutting back on processed foods and sugars is a good start to feeling better.

Gentle Workout Routine

Many of us know now that working out regularly not only keeps us physically healthy but mentally and emotionally sound as well. When it comes to developing a good fitness routine, you need to take into consideration any injuries or trouble areas you may have. Always consult a doctor before starting a new regimen, but do try to increase your level of physical activity. Walking is a great way to begin, as it has the advantages that running offers without the damage to your knees and joints. One thing many of us need help with is balance. There are numerous exercises you can do from the comfort of your home to help give you better core strength. Marching in place, rocking forth from toe to heel, and yoga can all give you better balance.

Connect with Your Neighbors

Unfortunately, loneliness is an epidemic for many seniors. Often, we lose the means of making new friends through isolation. One way to overcome this is to connect with those in your vicinity. Neighbors can not only be excellent companions, but they can also provide assistance to help keep us independent as we age. Organizations like A Little Help can aid you in connecting with those nearby who are also seeking companionship and those who are able to help around the house when needed. These organizations can provide resources to maintain independence and improve our overall quality of life. Making a connection with people who live nearby doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes, it just takes a little help.

Seek Enjoyment

No one is ever too old for fun. Every stage of life should be full of excitement or enjoyment to be enriching. It can help you engage with others, and may even keep you healthy. While there are plenty of things to do in the home that can be enjoyable, if you have freedom of movement, why not try a dance class for seniors? You might meet some new people and learn a new way of keeping active. You could check your local community or senior center to see what they offer, and you might learn a new skill while engaging socially. They might even provide something like a movie night or book club for more down-to-earth fun. No matter what you choose, it’s important that it engages your mind and fills your soul.

It doesn’t take much to reach out and get the support you need. Whether that’s meeting with a neighbor for a bit of help around the house and some company or taking up a yoga practice to feel better physically, there is always something to be done. You just have to find the tools you need to improve the life you’re living.